KELLY Manning is proof "lady tradies" shape up just as well as their male counterparts after her selection as a finalist in this year's Motor Traders' Association (MTA) NSW Apprentice of the Year Awards.
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The second-year apprentice automotive spray painter is one of four finalists for the award.
The winner will be announced at a MTA gala night in Sydney on November 15.
Miss Manning is just 17 years old and already halfway through her four-year apprenticeship at Anthony Lloyd Smash Repairs in Salamander Bay.
Along with two guys, Miss Manning was taken on by Anthony Lloyd's owner Mark Elliot for a three-week trial.
She never left.
"She was keen from the start," Mr Elliot said.
He said he was excited for Miss Manning when he had heard she was nominated for the awards - and was a finalist.
"This is a big thing for her," he said.
"It's one of the only few awards you can win as an apprentice."
Mr Elliot said Miss Manning's work was "extremely good".
Miss Manning said her gender may have something to do with the quality of her work in that she pays particular attention to the fine details.
As for being a female in a male-dominated industry, especially as a spray painter, Miss Manning said it was fine.
"It's kind of fun actually," she said.
